There is a tendency for some people to never just let a picture be.
They are always fussing away, adjusting tint and contrast. Doing a whole host of actions, but never just stepping back and leaving the image alone. I admit I will pretty up a picture, but I always try to do the minimum amount.
Take for example this dogwood blossom, it is straight out of the camera. Jake took it a while ago when the flowers were fresh, with little droplets of water sprinkled across the petals. I thought the image was stunning and all that I did was download the picture from Jake's camera and then title it dogwood. I didn't even have to crop the picture. Jake was able to compose a lovely picture through the viewfinder.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Passage
We have had some utterly gorgeous weather lately.
On last Friday Jake, Rebecca, and I took a flight up to New York. The weather was stunning and Grandma took us to the Pepsico headquarters to tour the gardens. I already featured one sculpture here and I have a few more to share.
Today's work was created by Richard Erdman and is titled Passages. I love the stark contrast of the bright white stone against the cool lush green of the grass. Unlike most of the larger works that rest directly on the grass, It's set in a little isle on crushed white stone.
The sunlight was at just the right point in the sky so that the shadows weren't too distracting, instead they emphasize and define the shape of the sculpture. I usually gravitate towards more classical forms, but this one really grabbed me. Something about just made me happy. I would love to see it at different times of the year and see how it looks as the seasons change.
On last Friday Jake, Rebecca, and I took a flight up to New York. The weather was stunning and Grandma took us to the Pepsico headquarters to tour the gardens. I already featured one sculpture here and I have a few more to share.
Today's work was created by Richard Erdman and is titled Passages. I love the stark contrast of the bright white stone against the cool lush green of the grass. Unlike most of the larger works that rest directly on the grass, It's set in a little isle on crushed white stone.
The sunlight was at just the right point in the sky so that the shadows weren't too distracting, instead they emphasize and define the shape of the sculpture. I usually gravitate towards more classical forms, but this one really grabbed me. Something about just made me happy. I would love to see it at different times of the year and see how it looks as the seasons change.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Artist of the Week: Pouch
This week's artist is the very lovely and talented Rebecca.
We were away this past weekend at a Bat Mitzvah. Larry has known the father for years and years and our two families enjoy getting together. Sadly Larry couldn't come due to all sorts of obligations, but I was able to literally fly away with Jake and Rebecca up to the NY metro area. Grandma and Grandpa picked us up at the airport and opened their home for our visit.
We had a great time seeing the sculpture garden at PepsiCo, attending the Bat Mitzvah (and accompanying party), and spending time with Nanci, Frank and cousin Evan. I know Rebecca had a great time at the party because there were a ton of girls. She really hit it off with another friend's daughter and she was not shy about joining in with the karaoke.
However, Rebecca did suffer some disappointments.
Namely she missed her class's pizza party and the school district's festival of arts and sciences.
Parties are fairly frequent and she was attending another in its staid, so she was able to overcome that disappointment with relative ease. But the festival was a whole other story.
It's held once a year and each school in the district has a tiny little exhibit space. The restricted area means that only a select few pieces will make the cut. The art teachers make their selections and just a few days before the festival send an invitation to those students along with the general flier that is sent to all the families. So it really is a big deal to have your child's work selected.
So of course one of Rebecca's in school art projects was selected.
She was so very, very proud and excited when she handed me the invitation. I congratulated her and was about to say how I was looking forward to the festival when I saw the dates. The festival was scheduled the same weekend we would be away. Rebecca was devastated that she would miss the show. I was only able to get her to stop sobbing when I promised her that her father would go and take plenty of pictures.
And that he did. On the right you can see her school's exhibit. It really is a tiny space. The actual artwork is on the left near the bottom. It is a type of Native American pouch, Rebecca was a bit sketchy on the details. For a cloer look you can see it here on the left. She did a very nice job on the pouches construction and fringing. The design on the pouch features a turtle and two very stylized animals. I think the drawings are very cute and she did a great job overall.
We were away this past weekend at a Bat Mitzvah. Larry has known the father for years and years and our two families enjoy getting together. Sadly Larry couldn't come due to all sorts of obligations, but I was able to literally fly away with Jake and Rebecca up to the NY metro area. Grandma and Grandpa picked us up at the airport and opened their home for our visit.
We had a great time seeing the sculpture garden at PepsiCo, attending the Bat Mitzvah (and accompanying party), and spending time with Nanci, Frank and cousin Evan. I know Rebecca had a great time at the party because there were a ton of girls. She really hit it off with another friend's daughter and she was not shy about joining in with the karaoke.
However, Rebecca did suffer some disappointments.
Namely she missed her class's pizza party and the school district's festival of arts and sciences.
Parties are fairly frequent and she was attending another in its staid, so she was able to overcome that disappointment with relative ease. But the festival was a whole other story.
It's held once a year and each school in the district has a tiny little exhibit space. The restricted area means that only a select few pieces will make the cut. The art teachers make their selections and just a few days before the festival send an invitation to those students along with the general flier that is sent to all the families. So it really is a big deal to have your child's work selected.
So of course one of Rebecca's in school art projects was selected.
She was so very, very proud and excited when she handed me the invitation. I congratulated her and was about to say how I was looking forward to the festival when I saw the dates. The festival was scheduled the same weekend we would be away. Rebecca was devastated that she would miss the show. I was only able to get her to stop sobbing when I promised her that her father would go and take plenty of pictures.
And that he did. On the right you can see her school's exhibit. It really is a tiny space. The actual artwork is on the left near the bottom. It is a type of Native American pouch, Rebecca was a bit sketchy on the details. For a cloer look you can see it here on the left. She did a very nice job on the pouches construction and fringing. The design on the pouch features a turtle and two very stylized animals. I think the drawings are very cute and she did a great job overall.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
It's All About Good Customer Service
So far this week:
1) Riding mower is essentially fixed, all it needs is a new blade. Our new mower repairman, waived the service fee, because he didn't have the part with him on his truck and I said I could pick it up and do it myself. He then told me to call if I have any problems and he'll come out and help. He was a real find.
2)The front tire on Larry's bike has been replaced (It was the victim of a very unfortunate car backing up mishap). The best part was when I was dropping it off at my favorite bike shop, Bunny Hop. As I stood there discussing what needed to be done with Jake's bike I was asked by one of the guys in the shop if he could jump on the tire. I thought it was a decidedly weird request, but since the wheel was toast (It was Pringle shaped) I handed it over. He carefully laid it on the floor, considered it for a bit, and then jumped on it.
SPRONG
The wheel was back to normal shape.
All present were dully impressed. The wheel was still messed up and not salvageable, but it was somewhat usable if I had been stuck far from home on my bike. I had never seen that done before, it was educational and entertaining.
3) Jake's bike has been fixed up with wonky gears and rear derailer replaced. It should be much better now and will hopefully not need constant readjustment. All for less the $50. With quick turn around and outstanding service, that is why I have a favorite bike shop.
So yes, good service at more than fair prices still exists. You just have to look around.
1) Riding mower is essentially fixed, all it needs is a new blade. Our new mower repairman, waived the service fee, because he didn't have the part with him on his truck and I said I could pick it up and do it myself. He then told me to call if I have any problems and he'll come out and help. He was a real find.
2)The front tire on Larry's bike has been replaced (It was the victim of a very unfortunate car backing up mishap). The best part was when I was dropping it off at my favorite bike shop, Bunny Hop. As I stood there discussing what needed to be done with Jake's bike I was asked by one of the guys in the shop if he could jump on the tire. I thought it was a decidedly weird request, but since the wheel was toast (It was Pringle shaped) I handed it over. He carefully laid it on the floor, considered it for a bit, and then jumped on it.
SPRONG
The wheel was back to normal shape.
All present were dully impressed. The wheel was still messed up and not salvageable, but it was somewhat usable if I had been stuck far from home on my bike. I had never seen that done before, it was educational and entertaining.
3) Jake's bike has been fixed up with wonky gears and rear derailer replaced. It should be much better now and will hopefully not need constant readjustment. All for less the $50. With quick turn around and outstanding service, that is why I have a favorite bike shop.
So yes, good service at more than fair prices still exists. You just have to look around.
Monday, April 26, 2010
The Third & The Seventh
An animated piece that finds beauty in architecture, light and perspective.
I found it to be quite lyrical.
The Third & The Seventh from Alex Roman on Vimeo.
I found it to be quite lyrical.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Gap Tooth Cutie
I go away for two nights and look at what I come home to.
Admittedly the tooth had been loose for... I don't know, months. Max had no interest in speeding things along and I saw no point in pushing it. I knew at some point it would drop out. I just didn't expect it to happen when I was up at Grandma's for a Bat Mitzvah.
When it did happen Max was at Meryl's and after the initial shock wanted to give either Larry or I a call. While Max was on the phone with me, Meryl took this unbelievably cute picture of his gap tooth smile.
Of course now I owe Meryl big time for so calmly dealing with the bloody mess.
Admittedly the tooth had been loose for... I don't know, months. Max had no interest in speeding things along and I saw no point in pushing it. I knew at some point it would drop out. I just didn't expect it to happen when I was up at Grandma's for a Bat Mitzvah.
When it did happen Max was at Meryl's and after the initial shock wanted to give either Larry or I a call. While Max was on the phone with me, Meryl took this unbelievably cute picture of his gap tooth smile.
Of course now I owe Meryl big time for so calmly dealing with the bloody mess.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Refreshing
After flying to New York today, my inlaws took myself along with Jake and Rebecca (the rest are stuck at home with Daddy) to the Pepsi World headquarters.
Sounds less than exciting, right?
Wrong!
Turns out that PepsiCo has a gorgeous sculpture garden open to the public. From the NY Job Source I lift the following description:
And might I add wow!
I don't really care for the drink, but the garden was incredibly maintained with some truly spectacular pieces of art. If you ever have a spare hour or two on a sunny day and are in the area, go and visit.
Update: I neglected to credit the artist and give the title of the sculpture pictured above. It is "Girl with a Dolphin" by David Wynne.
Sounds less than exciting, right?
Wrong!
Turns out that PepsiCo has a gorgeous sculpture garden open to the public. From the NY Job Source I lift the following description:
PepsiCo World Headquarters is located in Purchase, NY, approximately 45 minutes from New York City. The seven-building headquarters complex was designed by Edward Durrell Stone, one of America's foremost architects. The building occupies 10 acres of a 144-acre complex that includes the Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens, a world- acclaimed sculpture collection in a garden setting.
And might I add wow!
I don't really care for the drink, but the garden was incredibly maintained with some truly spectacular pieces of art. If you ever have a spare hour or two on a sunny day and are in the area, go and visit.
Update: I neglected to credit the artist and give the title of the sculpture pictured above. It is "Girl with a Dolphin" by David Wynne.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Azalea and Wisteria
The spring flowers really run riot here in the south. I'm just not used to everything having some sort of outrageous bloom.
I love the flowers that wisteria produces, but I hate how the vines snake all over the place. I need to hack them back, but only after they finish blooming. They kind of make up for my poor beleaguered azaleas.
My poor, poor azaleas.
I have both the pretty pink ones pictured and the plain white varietals. Unfortunately the deer like them as well and have pretty much decimated the poor things from about 4 feet and lower. There is one large bush, but the rest are struggling along. Just when I think that it's almost big enough to produce flowers the deer move through and nibble everything away, leaving behind the few buds they can not easily reach on the top.
I'm jealous of all the other homes I see with huge azaleas awash in bright colors. This is the price I pay for living in a neighborhood adjacent to a park.
Ah well, at least I get a few flowers here and there.
I love the flowers that wisteria produces, but I hate how the vines snake all over the place. I need to hack them back, but only after they finish blooming. They kind of make up for my poor beleaguered azaleas.
My poor, poor azaleas.
I have both the pretty pink ones pictured and the plain white varietals. Unfortunately the deer like them as well and have pretty much decimated the poor things from about 4 feet and lower. There is one large bush, but the rest are struggling along. Just when I think that it's almost big enough to produce flowers the deer move through and nibble everything away, leaving behind the few buds they can not easily reach on the top.
I'm jealous of all the other homes I see with huge azaleas awash in bright colors. This is the price I pay for living in a neighborhood adjacent to a park.
Ah well, at least I get a few flowers here and there.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Artist of the Week: Mask
Jake is this week's artist since the art in question is getting shopped off to Grandma's and I wanted to snap a few photo's before it was gone.
During the first half of the school year Jake was taking an art class, I already featured a painting from that selfsame class here. He had a great time in his lone visual art class in middle school. It's a pity that the students do not get much of a chance to take art. He has had an elective, band, but that precluded anything else until 8th grade.
So this year he finally got to do something else, art for the first half and wood shop for the second. Since they are semester long courses, a great deal of artwork followed him home halfway through the school year. Most of it is leaning against the wall in the dining room. It is out of harms way and awaiting a trip to the framing store.
Except for the mask.
As I mentioned Grandma would like to have it for her home. It really appealed to her and she pretty much knows where she is going to put it. The hard part will be getting it there.
You can tell by the shadows in the picture that the mask is not at all flat. The cardboard base has raised areas at the top and bottom. Coupled with the wooden block eyes and nose the entire thing is a bit too big to fit in a conventional box. Then, of course, the delicate nature of the whole thing adds to the awkwardness of sending the mask.
But, I think I have found a solution. I'll know by Friday evening if it all works out.
Anyway, Jake is very pleased that at least one piece of his artwork has found a good home.
During the first half of the school year Jake was taking an art class, I already featured a painting from that selfsame class here. He had a great time in his lone visual art class in middle school. It's a pity that the students do not get much of a chance to take art. He has had an elective, band, but that precluded anything else until 8th grade.
So this year he finally got to do something else, art for the first half and wood shop for the second. Since they are semester long courses, a great deal of artwork followed him home halfway through the school year. Most of it is leaning against the wall in the dining room. It is out of harms way and awaiting a trip to the framing store.
Except for the mask.
As I mentioned Grandma would like to have it for her home. It really appealed to her and she pretty much knows where she is going to put it. The hard part will be getting it there.
You can tell by the shadows in the picture that the mask is not at all flat. The cardboard base has raised areas at the top and bottom. Coupled with the wooden block eyes and nose the entire thing is a bit too big to fit in a conventional box. Then, of course, the delicate nature of the whole thing adds to the awkwardness of sending the mask.
But, I think I have found a solution. I'll know by Friday evening if it all works out.
Anyway, Jake is very pleased that at least one piece of his artwork has found a good home.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Ultimate Rock, Paper, Scissors
Pretty much everybody has played rock, paper scissors at some point in their life. It's a fun game, with a definite psychological aspect. After the first throw I pretty much can predict what my children are going to do and win most of the time. And thus maintaining my omnipotent mom status.
Some people take it very seriously, to the point that there is an official World RPS Society. The WRPS Society Championship was held this past November in Toronto. Sadly the page has not been updated with the results of said championship. For the more literary inclined fans of RPS there is The Official Rock Paper Scissors Strategy Guide available in paperback over at Amazon (some of the reviews are a hoot).
There is also a five option variant called Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard and Spock. And here is how you play:
My kids take up to another level and play Ultimate Rock, Paper, Scissors. Instead of hand gestures that count off to three and then shout out their entry. Their only rules are that you can't repeat (either your own or someone else's entry) and no endless variations on a theme (ie godzilla followed by pink godzilla). After they shout out there is a discussion over which entry reigns supreme.
This weekend I got to hear some pretty hilarious battles.
Deathstar vs Luke Skywalker vs Giant Space Goat. Luke beats Deathstar, but Space Goat eats Luke.
Professor Charles Francis Xavier vs Rock and Roll. Rock and Roll was just bearly given the win.
Exploding sun vs Ethel Merman. Ethel Merman defeats all!
There were a few other memorable wins- crab grass, because nothing can kill it all off. And then there was Rebecca announcing that her forehead hurts. She was given an unconditional win by all three of her brothers.
Pretty much anything can win, you just have to be able to back it up with some good reasoning. I find it fun to listen to and beats the usual squabbling from the back.
Some people take it very seriously, to the point that there is an official World RPS Society. The WRPS Society Championship was held this past November in Toronto. Sadly the page has not been updated with the results of said championship. For the more literary inclined fans of RPS there is The Official Rock Paper Scissors Strategy Guide available in paperback over at Amazon (some of the reviews are a hoot).
There is also a five option variant called Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard and Spock. And here is how you play:
Scissors cut paper, paper covers rock, rock crushes lizard, lizard poisons Spock, Spock smashes scissors, scissors decapitate lizard, lizard eats paper, paper disproves Spock, Spock vaporizes rock, rock crushes scissors.For a neat graphic on the hand gestures head on over to here and take a gander.
My kids take up to another level and play Ultimate Rock, Paper, Scissors. Instead of hand gestures that count off to three and then shout out their entry. Their only rules are that you can't repeat (either your own or someone else's entry) and no endless variations on a theme (ie godzilla followed by pink godzilla). After they shout out there is a discussion over which entry reigns supreme.
This weekend I got to hear some pretty hilarious battles.
Deathstar vs Luke Skywalker vs Giant Space Goat. Luke beats Deathstar, but Space Goat eats Luke.
Professor Charles Francis Xavier vs Rock and Roll. Rock and Roll was just bearly given the win.
Exploding sun vs Ethel Merman. Ethel Merman defeats all!
There were a few other memorable wins- crab grass, because nothing can kill it all off. And then there was Rebecca announcing that her forehead hurts. She was given an unconditional win by all three of her brothers.
Pretty much anything can win, you just have to be able to back it up with some good reasoning. I find it fun to listen to and beats the usual squabbling from the back.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Lego House
I recognize James May from Top Gear, an absolutely terrific show that my lame-o cable company doesn't carry (well it does, but I have to spend far too much extra to get it).
Anyway, we love all things Lego and this house is amazing.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Happy Birthday Nana!
Today is not only the anniversary of the midnight ride of Paul Revere, it is also the birthday of my favorite octogenarian.
Last year, along with my brother, I was able to visit my mother and celebrate her 80th in style. We went out, we spent hours and hours talking, and just had a good time.
This year we couldn't visit. I had seemingly a million commitments this weekend and my brother has a new job and a new baby. So we had to settle with long phone calls and flowers.
My cousin was going to come up from Boston and take her out, but at her insistence she put it off for a few weeks. He was busy and she knew he would be stretching himself mighty thin with the visit. She declared that if the Queen of England can pick when her birthday was to be celebrated, then she could too. May should have nicer weather and her nephew could have a far more leisurely visit.
That's my mom, Queen of Vermont.
Last year, along with my brother, I was able to visit my mother and celebrate her 80th in style. We went out, we spent hours and hours talking, and just had a good time.
This year we couldn't visit. I had seemingly a million commitments this weekend and my brother has a new job and a new baby. So we had to settle with long phone calls and flowers.
My cousin was going to come up from Boston and take her out, but at her insistence she put it off for a few weeks. He was busy and she knew he would be stretching himself mighty thin with the visit. She declared that if the Queen of England can pick when her birthday was to be celebrated, then she could too. May should have nicer weather and her nephew could have a far more leisurely visit.
That's my mom, Queen of Vermont.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Run Ragged Redux
I'm bushed.
Spent the day making soup, delivering soup, setting up soup, and then bringing home soup.
Shoehorned in a Costco run. Oh Costco how do I love thee, let me count the ways...
Then started dinner and Challah, took the soccer players out to get goalie gloves (my feral princess really likes being goalie and is very fierce in the goal when she is not dancing). Picked up a couple of birthday presents for a party tomorrow, then back home to finish dinner and eat.
Whew, and there was even more that I left out.
So anyway have a good weekend and I'll, hopefully, see y'all on Sunday.
Spent the day making soup, delivering soup, setting up soup, and then bringing home soup.
Shoehorned in a Costco run. Oh Costco how do I love thee, let me count the ways...
Then started dinner and Challah, took the soccer players out to get goalie gloves (my feral princess really likes being goalie and is very fierce in the goal when she is not dancing). Picked up a couple of birthday presents for a party tomorrow, then back home to finish dinner and eat.
Whew, and there was even more that I left out.
So anyway have a good weekend and I'll, hopefully, see y'all on Sunday.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Run Ragged
For Nate has just been plain wiped out this week.
After a week of vacation it has been hard getting back into the normal rhythms of the school year. He has had late nights of homework, practice and yesterday evening a lacrosse game. The poor guy has trouble settling down at night and arising in the morning.
Today after school he was in a foul mood, lashing out at his big brother and just plain being a pill. I called him out on his behavior and stuck him in time out. When I called him over to talk he practically collapsed both emotionally and physically.
The poor thing needs his rest, but just doesn't know how to get it. I got him off to bed at an almost decent hour, so that should help. Friday will be relatively quiet as well as Sunday. Saturday will be a bit crazy with lacrosse- a game to play, team pictures and a match over in Charlottesville to attend.
My poor baby.
After a week of vacation it has been hard getting back into the normal rhythms of the school year. He has had late nights of homework, practice and yesterday evening a lacrosse game. The poor guy has trouble settling down at night and arising in the morning.
Today after school he was in a foul mood, lashing out at his big brother and just plain being a pill. I called him out on his behavior and stuck him in time out. When I called him over to talk he practically collapsed both emotionally and physically.
The poor thing needs his rest, but just doesn't know how to get it. I got him off to bed at an almost decent hour, so that should help. Friday will be relatively quiet as well as Sunday. Saturday will be a bit crazy with lacrosse- a game to play, team pictures and a match over in Charlottesville to attend.
My poor baby.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Artist of the Week: Self Portrait
This week's artist is Mr. Max.
The picture I chose of him is from way back in September at the Amelia County Fair. He looks so cute with his stuffed animal prizes and the blue in his eyes seems to pop out a bit more. His eyes are very much like his fathers, a clear slate blue. As we like to say with his blond hair, blue eyes and CF he is recessive in every way except in personality. Like his siblings, he very much his own person. We have four kids and each one has very distinct personality.
Either way he is still my blue eyed little boy.
As to why I picked this particular picture, well it was just too good a match with this week's piece.
While rummaging about the the piles of homework papers on the kitchen table I found this self portrait of Max. He didn't have much to say about it. Jake asked Max about the orange hair, but Max was not very forthcoming on the subject. I told Jake that in all likelihood this was the best match Max had in his box of crayons. Particularly since I just had to buy him a new box today to replace what few he had left at school.
I think it is a very cute picture. If you look carefully to the right you'll see a little green and brown figure. I think it's a sea turtle, hands down it's Max favorite creature. I'll have to ask Max about it in the morning.
The picture I chose of him is from way back in September at the Amelia County Fair. He looks so cute with his stuffed animal prizes and the blue in his eyes seems to pop out a bit more. His eyes are very much like his fathers, a clear slate blue. As we like to say with his blond hair, blue eyes and CF he is recessive in every way except in personality. Like his siblings, he very much his own person. We have four kids and each one has very distinct personality.
Either way he is still my blue eyed little boy.
As to why I picked this particular picture, well it was just too good a match with this week's piece.
While rummaging about the the piles of homework papers on the kitchen table I found this self portrait of Max. He didn't have much to say about it. Jake asked Max about the orange hair, but Max was not very forthcoming on the subject. I told Jake that in all likelihood this was the best match Max had in his box of crayons. Particularly since I just had to buy him a new box today to replace what few he had left at school.
I think it is a very cute picture. If you look carefully to the right you'll see a little green and brown figure. I think it's a sea turtle, hands down it's Max favorite creature. I'll have to ask Max about it in the morning.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Life In a Jar
I get a fair amount of email that has been forwarded along by friends and acquaintances. Some of it is hilarious, some of it is bunk, and some of it is drivel. I usually tried to find out the origins because I'm a bit compulsive that way and I like try to see if there is any validity or nuggets of truth therein. Once in a while this pays off in a big way.
Today I was forwarded the following:
Well guess what, the real story is even more astounding. The overall gist of the letter is true, just the details are a bit off. She portrayed herself as a nurse and not a plumber, the dog is a bit exaggerated and she was Polish, not German. She passed away on May 12, 2008.
There is an absolutely fantastic web site about Irena called Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project. The home page is a bit sparse, but from there you can read about Irena's life on the facts page and learn about the project that the site is based on.
It all started when a rural Kansas teacher encouraged students to work on a year-long National History Day project. The teacher presented four students with a short clipping from a March 1994 issue of News and World Report, which said, "Irena Sendler saved 2,500 children from the Warsaw Ghetto in 1942-43." He noted that number of children saved was in all likelihood a typographical error since he had never heard of Irena Sendler. The four girls set to work to find out more about Irena Sendler.
What they found out was astounding. I quote from the web site:
So go here now, you won't regret it.
Today I was forwarded the following:
If even half of this is true, it is an amazing story.
Irena Sendler The death of a 98 year old heroine
Look at this lady - Let us never forget!
Irena Sendler
There recently was a death of a 98 year-old lady named Irena.
During WWII, Irena, got permission to work in the Warsaw ghetto, as a Plumbing/Sewer specialist.
She had an 'ulterior motive'.
She KNEW what the Nazi's plans were for the Jews (being German).
Irena smuggled infants out in the bottom of the tool box she carried and she carried in the back of her truck a burlap sack, (for larger kids).
She also had a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto.
The soldiers of course wanted nothing to do with the dog and the barking covered the kids/infants noises.
During her time of doing this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2500 kids/infants.
She was caught, and the Nazi's broke both her legs, arms and beat her severely.
Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she smuggled out and kept them in a glass jar, buried under a tree in her back yard.
After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived it and reunited the family.
Most had been gassed. Those kids she helped got placed into foster family homes or adopted.
Last year Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize.
She was not selected.
Al Gore won --- for a slide show on Global Warming.
63 years later
In MEMORIAM - 63 YEARS LATER
Please read the little cartoon carefully, it's powerful.
Then read the comments at the end.
I'm doing my small part by forwarding this message.
I hope you'll consider doing the same.
Non Sequitur June 11, 2006
It is now more than 60 years after the Second World War in Europe ended.
This e-mail is being sent as a memorial chain, in memory of the six million Jews, 20 million Russians, 10 million Christians and 1,900 Catholic priests who were murdered, massacred, raped, burned, starved and humiliated!
Now, more than ever, with Iraq , Iran , and others, claiming the HOLOCAUST to be 'a myth'.
It's imperative to make sure the world never forgets, because there are others who would like to do it again.
This e-mail is intended to reach 40 million people worldwide! Join us and be a link in the memorial chain and help us distribute it around the world.
Please send this e-mail to people you know and ask them to continue the memorial chain.
Please don't just delete it.
It will only take you a minute to pass this along.
Thanks!
Well guess what, the real story is even more astounding. The overall gist of the letter is true, just the details are a bit off. She portrayed herself as a nurse and not a plumber, the dog is a bit exaggerated and she was Polish, not German. She passed away on May 12, 2008.
There is an absolutely fantastic web site about Irena called Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project. The home page is a bit sparse, but from there you can read about Irena's life on the facts page and learn about the project that the site is based on.
It all started when a rural Kansas teacher encouraged students to work on a year-long National History Day project. The teacher presented four students with a short clipping from a March 1994 issue of News and World Report, which said, "Irena Sendler saved 2,500 children from the Warsaw Ghetto in 1942-43." He noted that number of children saved was in all likelihood a typographical error since he had never heard of Irena Sendler. The four girls set to work to find out more about Irena Sendler.
What they found out was astounding. I quote from the web site:
The students wrote a performance (Life in a Jar) in which they portrayed the life of Irena Sendler. They have performed this program for numerous clubs and civic groups in the community, around the state of Kansas, all over North America and in Europe (250 presentations as of November 2008). The community of Uniontown has little diversity and no Jewish students in the school district. The community was inspired by the project and sponsored an Irena Sendler Day. The students began to search for the final resting place of Irena and discovered she was still alive and living in Warsaw, Poland. Irena's story was unknown world-wide, even though she had received esteemed recognition from Yad Vashem in 1965 and support from the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous in New York City. Forty-five years of communism had buried her story, even in her own country.The whole site is an incredible read. You really, really should go over and read the story yourself. It's very moving and I can't do it justice.
So go here now, you won't regret it.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Modlin Center for the Arts
I'm just posting this because I want to.
In order to go to the concert I attended at the University of Richmond, Jake and I were instructed to cut through the Modlin Center of the Arts.
I have never been to the University of Richmond and I was very pleasantly surprised by the campus. It's tucked in the far west side of Richmond and a pretty little jewel of a campus. Lots of green, green grass and brick buildings. The school was founded in 1830 and many of the buildings have a castle like flair.
Jake and I immediately noticed the fake portcullis at the entrance of the art center and really liked the effect.Inside was a very dramatic long corridor, paneled in wood with a great arching barrel vault of a ceiling. I loved the space and regretted not bringing my camera. I knew not all was lost, in a short time I would be back and this time with my trusty camera.
In order to go to the concert I attended at the University of Richmond, Jake and I were instructed to cut through the Modlin Center of the Arts.
I have never been to the University of Richmond and I was very pleasantly surprised by the campus. It's tucked in the far west side of Richmond and a pretty little jewel of a campus. Lots of green, green grass and brick buildings. The school was founded in 1830 and many of the buildings have a castle like flair.
Jake and I immediately noticed the fake portcullis at the entrance of the art center and really liked the effect.Inside was a very dramatic long corridor, paneled in wood with a great arching barrel vault of a ceiling. I loved the space and regretted not bringing my camera. I knew not all was lost, in a short time I would be back and this time with my trusty camera.
Friday, April 09, 2010
Sofia
I think this is the prettiest little Alaskan you'll ever see.
My little niece Sofia, in my extremely biased opinion, is easily the cutest baby around.
I can't wait to get more pictures!
My little niece Sofia, in my extremely biased opinion, is easily the cutest baby around.
I can't wait to get more pictures!
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Two Dog Couch
Our solution to keeping dogs off the furniture is to give them their own couch. Technically it's a love seat, but we call it the dog couch.
We acquired the love seat from Larry's dad when his father was moving and no longer had any use for it. It's cushions were tattered and coated with cat hair, but that was no problem. We chucked the cushions and used a folded quilt as a seat pad and stationed it on our covered porch.
Two moves later the love seat ended up indoors with new cushions and became the dog couch. The dogs were happy and so were we. It's just low enough for them to leap on and it still looks pretty good. Particularly once I replaced the worn and broken seat straps with oaken slats.
John will occasionally nibble on the cushions, but on the whole they seem to respect it. At least it keeps them off the rest of the furniture.
We acquired the love seat from Larry's dad when his father was moving and no longer had any use for it. It's cushions were tattered and coated with cat hair, but that was no problem. We chucked the cushions and used a folded quilt as a seat pad and stationed it on our covered porch.
Two moves later the love seat ended up indoors with new cushions and became the dog couch. The dogs were happy and so were we. It's just low enough for them to leap on and it still looks pretty good. Particularly once I replaced the worn and broken seat straps with oaken slats.
John will occasionally nibble on the cushions, but on the whole they seem to respect it. At least it keeps them off the rest of the furniture.
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Artist of the Week: Charles Ritchie
This week I'm featuring an artist from the exhibit I visited up in Richmond. Before a few weeks ago I had never heard of Charles Ritchie.
Now I have become a big fan of at least one of his works, to whit "Blue Twilight."
Jake and I were both captivated by this piece the first time we went through the Surface Tension exhibition. It's a very hard piece to photograph to photograph well. It is a very deep, yet oddly luminescent shade of almost cobalt blue. As you draw closer you see trees formed of inky blackness and dotted with flecks of gold. Even closer you start to see the houses in the back ground. There is so much detail and depth captured on such a small canvas.
I could have stood there all day gazing upon this one piece. Rebecca was also captivated and it was a treat to see here exclaim over the same details.
Here's another shot, this time lighten a bit so you can see a bit of the detail. But really, this picture is nowhere as good as the real thing.
The artist, Charles Ritchie has a copy of his journal online. If you head on over, and you really should, you get a peek at what he was thinking when creating this piece and yet another picture. It's even lighter than mine, so the image loses a fair amount of its depth, but then you can truly see the details. As I said, Blue Twilight is not an easy piece to capture with photography.
I would love to own a print or poster, but none are available at this time. Of course it would be a bear to reproduce it accurately, but so worth the effort.
Now I have become a big fan of at least one of his works, to whit "Blue Twilight."
Jake and I were both captivated by this piece the first time we went through the Surface Tension exhibition. It's a very hard piece to photograph to photograph well. It is a very deep, yet oddly luminescent shade of almost cobalt blue. As you draw closer you see trees formed of inky blackness and dotted with flecks of gold. Even closer you start to see the houses in the back ground. There is so much detail and depth captured on such a small canvas.
I could have stood there all day gazing upon this one piece. Rebecca was also captivated and it was a treat to see here exclaim over the same details.
Here's another shot, this time lighten a bit so you can see a bit of the detail. But really, this picture is nowhere as good as the real thing.
The artist, Charles Ritchie has a copy of his journal online. If you head on over, and you really should, you get a peek at what he was thinking when creating this piece and yet another picture. It's even lighter than mine, so the image loses a fair amount of its depth, but then you can truly see the details. As I said, Blue Twilight is not an easy piece to capture with photography.
I would love to own a print or poster, but none are available at this time. Of course it would be a bear to reproduce it accurately, but so worth the effort.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
A Little Bit of Art
The kids are all home on spring break this week. Yesterday they mucked around outside and watched tv. They rediscovered the excitement of mommy buying groceries and various errands. Today had a much more cultural bent.
Last weekend I had attended a concert with Jake on the University of Richmond campus. In order to reach the concert's venue we had to cut through the Modlin Center for the Arts. As we passed through the lovely building we noticed a small gallery tucked off to the side. The current exhibit is titled "Surface Tension: Pattern, Texture, and Rhythm in Art from the Collection" and featured some delightful works of art.
Jake and I quickly went through the gallery and decided it was definitely worth a second look when we had a bit more time. Sadly it was closed by the end of the concert, but would be open during spring break. I thought it would be a good field trip for my crew because it had the added bonus of a create your own work of art area.
So today I dragged my brood on over to the gallery. Max was a bit underwhelmed at first and promptly sprawled on the bench. He did, however, perk up when he found out he could make an art work at the end of our visit.
Rebecca and Jake were far more interested in looking at the art. Jake was happy to revisit the gallery and point out his favorites to his siblings. Rebecca drank in the art and carefully examined each piece. I love this picture and how it captures the moment.
Meanwhile Nate wandered about bored and uninterested in the whole enterprise. He was more more interested in the lacrosse practice happening just outside the building along side the parking lot. He made a half-hearted collage at the end while asking me when would we be going home.
Barring Nate, I think the rest of them had a good time. Max even announced this was his favorite museum.
Last weekend I had attended a concert with Jake on the University of Richmond campus. In order to reach the concert's venue we had to cut through the Modlin Center for the Arts. As we passed through the lovely building we noticed a small gallery tucked off to the side. The current exhibit is titled "Surface Tension: Pattern, Texture, and Rhythm in Art from the Collection" and featured some delightful works of art.
Jake and I quickly went through the gallery and decided it was definitely worth a second look when we had a bit more time. Sadly it was closed by the end of the concert, but would be open during spring break. I thought it would be a good field trip for my crew because it had the added bonus of a create your own work of art area.
So today I dragged my brood on over to the gallery. Max was a bit underwhelmed at first and promptly sprawled on the bench. He did, however, perk up when he found out he could make an art work at the end of our visit.
Rebecca and Jake were far more interested in looking at the art. Jake was happy to revisit the gallery and point out his favorites to his siblings. Rebecca drank in the art and carefully examined each piece. I love this picture and how it captures the moment.
Meanwhile Nate wandered about bored and uninterested in the whole enterprise. He was more more interested in the lacrosse practice happening just outside the building along side the parking lot. He made a half-hearted collage at the end while asking me when would we be going home.
Barring Nate, I think the rest of them had a good time. Max even announced this was his favorite museum.
Monday, April 05, 2010
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Passover Posy
Here are some pretty spring flowers we brought home from our temple's community Seder last week.
They have been sitting in a vase on the counter near the sink all week. It wasn't until a day ago I was stuck by their beauty in the morning light. The light streaming down from the skylights hit them just so, highlighting the translucent qualities of the petals. I just had to take picture before the flowers dropped their petals and wasted away.
They have been sitting in a vase on the counter near the sink all week. It wasn't until a day ago I was stuck by their beauty in the morning light. The light streaming down from the skylights hit them just so, highlighting the translucent qualities of the petals. I just had to take picture before the flowers dropped their petals and wasted away.
Friday, April 02, 2010
Welcome to the World Baby Girl!
A title to a good book and a wonderful piece of news.
Today my brother became a father and I got a brand new niece.
She's a healthy 8 pounds and has bright red hair, just like her daddy when he was a baby. We have all been on pins and needles the past week and half awaiting her arrival. My brother has a job that takes him away from home and it was a worry if he would be around. But my sister in law got to have her husband home on the big day and he will get to spend some time with his newly expanded family before he has to leave again.
Sadly they live far, far away so I won't be able to visit right now, but maybe we can visit later this year. I was thinking about such a trip earlier in the day and my husband called me up from work and suggested maybe we could all go this summer. It's nice when you are married to someone on the same wavelength.
I really want to see the latest addition to the family, as do the rest of of us. Hopefully we'll get pictures soon.
Today my brother became a father and I got a brand new niece.
She's a healthy 8 pounds and has bright red hair, just like her daddy when he was a baby. We have all been on pins and needles the past week and half awaiting her arrival. My brother has a job that takes him away from home and it was a worry if he would be around. But my sister in law got to have her husband home on the big day and he will get to spend some time with his newly expanded family before he has to leave again.
Sadly they live far, far away so I won't be able to visit right now, but maybe we can visit later this year. I was thinking about such a trip earlier in the day and my husband called me up from work and suggested maybe we could all go this summer. It's nice when you are married to someone on the same wavelength.
I really want to see the latest addition to the family, as do the rest of of us. Hopefully we'll get pictures soon.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Spring or Rather Summer
Or maybe it's spring after all.
We seem to be doing some rather extreme yo-yo weather now.
Two weeks ago we had weather in the 70's. Last weekend, as evidence by this sweatshirt left outdoors overnight, was far cooler. We had frost at night and during the day it maybe reached the 50's. Then the rain came down with a rip snorter of a thunderstorm and ushered in warmer weather.
And by warmer weather I talking about 80's. Shorts and t-shirt weather for when I go bike riding. Now I feel sort of silly buying cycling tights just a few weeks ago.
But I know the pendulum will swing back again and it'll be a bit cooler in the not too distant future. As for the tights, well there is always next fall.
We seem to be doing some rather extreme yo-yo weather now.
Two weeks ago we had weather in the 70's. Last weekend, as evidence by this sweatshirt left outdoors overnight, was far cooler. We had frost at night and during the day it maybe reached the 50's. Then the rain came down with a rip snorter of a thunderstorm and ushered in warmer weather.
And by warmer weather I talking about 80's. Shorts and t-shirt weather for when I go bike riding. Now I feel sort of silly buying cycling tights just a few weeks ago.
But I know the pendulum will swing back again and it'll be a bit cooler in the not too distant future. As for the tights, well there is always next fall.
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